Show QUEER DOINGS OF CANTONESE burning of rice paper prayers head off evil spirits just at night if you happen to be within the gates i of canton you will witness one ot of the little performances that la Is supposed to deceive the prowling spirits of the night bent upon evil intent the while conciliating them should they penetrate the deception tion says the each little and big shop possesses a miniature fireplace built into the side of 0 the entrance prayers printed on rice paper form the fuel with which to offer up incense to the bogy man who is supposed to make the nocturnal visits beholding the smoke he is supposed to assume that no one lives within and therefore passes by but should he catch on and stop to investigate vesti gate he finds that the prayer pa pars on the altar bear inscriptions attributing to him such virtues and magnanimity that his wrath is appeased and he turns from his bis evil intent |